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INNOVATION ENABLES THE AMERICAN CLUB TO “SINGAPORISE” OPERATIONS AT MARKET-LEADING LEVELS

MARCH 31, 2020 – The American Club Singapore is leveraging leading-edge practices to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak and keep its community of members and staff safe during these uncertain times. Since the coronavirus outbreak began in January 2020, the club has been proactive in putting safety at the forefront of all it does, amidst a rapidly evolving situation.

After the Ministry of Health’s issued advisories for tighter controls, the club went beyond the requirements and made further changes to“Singaporise” its day-to-day practices at market-leading levels. It has implemented a series of changes to mitigate the risk of virus transmission across sports and food & beverage outlets as well as facilities designed for business, youth and family activities. These measures will stay in place until at least April 30.

Actions such as social distancing, ceasing sports meets, limiting meeting sizes, reducing restaurant capacity and implementing a “no guest” policy to reduce congestion have been foundational steps to ensure member safety. The club has gone far beyond these basics, though, by introducing innovative new solutions to support its members and staff.

The club launched a Community Care Campaign themed ‘We’ve Got it. Together.’, for example, to promote social responsibility among its community. With the objective of keeping its community connected and united, and to show care and consideration for fellow members, the club shares relevant updates such as government advisories and educates its community regarding new precautionary measures as well as regulations under the Infectious Disease Act. Communications to members are sent via emails on a regular basis, and on its new MembersWhatsApp Broadcast Channel.

The American Club, has also addressed disruptions to members’ lifestyles by introducing highly convenient new services such as TAC2Go!, a food & beverage takeaway and delivery service, as well as delivery service for groceries, gourmet products, wines and spa home care items. These items may be pre-ordered for collection or delivery.

The club’s Acting General Manager, Ms Patricia Au, said, ‘The club has always been the hub for social and family activity needs with distinct elements of fun that define the American culture. It’s been heartening to see strong support from members despite many changes to their routines as we implement these innovative new measures for the protection of the community.’

Ensuring members’ health by being at the forefront of best practices is not new to The American Club. Key members of its Senior Management have steered the club through viral outbreaks including 2003’s SARS, and 2009’s H1N1. They are now leveraging their expertise and experience to keep members and staff safe throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

Since the Ministry of Health elevated the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) threat level to Orange, the club has implemented strict preventive measures to minimise the risk of transmission among members and staff. It seeks to ensure that the clubhouse remains a safe oasis for members and staff amidst uncertainty in the community. A core part of its preparedness has been frequent and transparent communications to its members, to build trust during an unpredictable time and build social responsibility.

Au adds, ‘As the situation continues to evolve, the club is ready to implement more measures as needed. Staying agile and responsive is a community effort, and it’s been heart-warming to see the messages of care and affirmation from the members, as well as our General Committee members taking the lead in fronting these changes.’

Note to Editors:

Founded in 1948 by the American Association of Singapore, The American Club is a private Members' Club situated in the heart of Singapore. Conveniently located in the Orchard Road area, The Club offers a full range of dining, wellness, recreational options and children’s programs. With four restaurants and a bar, a full-service spa, a business center, library, state-of-the-art gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts, The Quad children’s area, a bowling alley (the first ever built in Singapore in 1955!), camps for the children, and sports programs, such as the SwimAmerica aquatics program (one of only two in Southeast Asia), The American Club is more than just a Clubhouse.

A home away from home for Members, The Club’s close-knit community of expatriates and locals alike, has a diverse, thriving culture with a uniquely American flair. Members form lasting friendships that span continents.